HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFA 2015-09-09 COMPLETE AGENDA PACKET1y,4
City of Tukwila
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0200 Southcenter Boulevard • Tukwila, Washington 98188 Jim Haggerton, Mayor
AGENDA
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Place: Tukwila Fire Station 51 Training Room
444 Andover Park E, Tukwila, WA 98188
(206) 575 -4404
Time: 5:00 — 5:30 p.m. Refreshments
5:30 — 7:30 p.m. Steering Committee Meeting
1. Ride -along experiences Committee members
11. Governance
Work Group Report -Out
111. Organizational Structure/ Operations (2017)
Seal, Duffie, Wilson, Denbo
Chief Schneider, KFDRFA
IV. Benefit Charge Captain Rabel, KFDRFA
V. Next Steps Moira Bradshaw
• Review schedule
Substitute meeting date: November 4 or November 5.
(November 11 is Veteran's Day)
• Presentation to Council: Monday November 9, 2015
VI. Adjourn
Attachment: DRAFT Plan Sections 1 -5.
DRAFT Plan Section 6 and Appendix C (Org. Chart)
Committee minutes 7/8/2015
Phone: 0o- 433.1800 • ChyHall Fax: 206 -433 -1833 • Website www.TukwilaWa.gov
KENT FIRE DEPARTMENT
"SERVING THE CITIES OF KENT,
COVINGTON, TUKWILA AND KING
COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 37"
— REGIONAL
FIRE AUTHORITY
—PLAN
Tukwila Plan Amendment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Acknowledgement 5
Strategic Opportunity 7
Section 1: Needs Statement 9
Section 2: Definitions 11
Section 3a: Formation Authority 13
Section 3b: City of Tukwila Annexation Authority 14
Section 4: Jurisdictional Boundaries 15
Section 5: Governance 19
Section 6: Organizational Structure /Operations 21
Section 7: Financial 23
Section 8: Administrative /Management /Personnel Components 27
Section 9: Fire Prevention, Public Education Services, Emergency
Management and Fire Investigation Unit 31
Appendix A - Jurisdictional Boundaries 35
Appendix B - Fire Benefit Charge 37
Appendix C - Organizational Structure 41
Appendix D - Asset Transfer 43
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KENT
WASHINGTON
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
'CoA
Recognizing the challenges and opportunities that all fire jurisdictions are
facing, the City of Kent and King County Fire District 37, through a partnership of
many years, agreed in 2006, to explore the different options available in
operating and funding the Kent Fire Department.
In February 2008, the City of Kent and King County Fire District 37 Regional Fire
Protection Stakeholders Report, recommended that the City and Fire District develop a
Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Plan. Through the efforts, dedication and professional
commitment of the individuals acknowledged, we have completed the Kent Fire
Department RFA Plan.
In 2015 Tthe City of Tukwila and the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority
formed a Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee. Through the efforts,
dedication and professional commitment of the individuals acknowledged, the Steering
Committee developed amendments to -the RFA Plan for submission to the Tukwila City
Council, the Kent Fire L Regional Fire Authority Govern Bing Boarrl
and the voters of the City of Tukwila.
On behalf of the City of Kent, King County Fire District 37, City of Tukwil and all Kent
Fire Department RFA personnel, I want to thank everyone who participated in
creating the future vision of our organization that will ultimately provide the
citizens we serve and protect an enhanced opportunity to determine the level
of service they desire.
Your efforts are recognized and very much appreciated.
Jim Schneider
City of Kent Regional Fire Authority
Planning
Committee Members:
Debbie Raplee, Kent City Council
Tim Clark, Kent City Council
Ron Harmon, Kent City Council
Allan Barrie, Fire District 37
Mike Denbo, Fire District 37
Margaret Harto, City of Covington
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City of Kent Regional Fire Authority
Steering Committee Members:
Ken Weatherill, Deputy Chief
Pat Pawlak, Division Chief
Jon Napier, Division Chief
Greg Markley, Battalion Chief
Eric Tomlinson, Battalion Chief
Kevin Garling, Battalion Chief
Brian Snure, Fire District Attorney
Dr. Robert McKenzie, CEO, CSI
Greg Markley, Battalion Chief
Mark Jones, Captain, Union President
Larry Rabel, Captain
Deanna Gratzer, District Secretary
Jim Schneider, Fire Chief
RFA Communications Plan
Committee:
Ken Weatherill, Deputy Chief
Lynn Heesen, Battalion Chief
Eric Tomlinson, Battalion Chief
Kraig Peiguss, Captain
Kyle Ohashi, Captain
Bud Sizemore, Firefighter
John Robbins, Firefighter
Don Barberie, Firefighter
Deanna Gratzer, District Secretary
Jim Schneider, Fire Chief
City of Kent:
Suzette Cooke, Mayor
John Hodgson, CAO
Elizabeth Albertson, Councilperson
Tim Clark, Councilperson
Jamie Danielson, Councilperson
Ron Harmon, Councilperson
Deborah Ranniger, Councilperson
Debbie Raplee, Council President
Les Thomas, Councilperson
Robert Nachlinger, Finance Director
Sue Viseth, Director Employee Services
Becky Fowler, Employee Services
Robert Goehring, Finance
Bonnie Fell, Finance
Kathleen Etheredge, Finance
Paula Barry, Finance
Mike Carrington, Info. Technology
Director
Curt Ryser, Information Technology
Paul Dunn, Information Technology
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Larry Rabel, Captain
Mark Jones, Captain
Chris Martin, Captain
Dave Woelber, Captain
John Lytle, Captain
Martin Oliver, Firefighter
Margaret Martin, Executive Assistant
Deanna Gratzer, District Secretary
Jim Schneider, Fire Chief
RFA Finance Committee:
Pat Pawlak, Division Chief
Jon Napier, Division Chief
Greg Markley, Battalion Chief
Kevin Garling, Battalion Chief
Mark Jones, Captain
Chris Martin, Captain
Dave Woelber, Captain
John Lytle, Captain
Martin Oliver, Firefighter
Margaret Martin, Executive Assistant
Fire Department Planning Unit:
Larry Rabel, Captain
Randy Droppert, Data Integr. Coord.
Mark Thompson, Tech. Integr. Coord.
Jackie Yip, Senior Systems Analyst
Fire Administration:
Margaret Martin, Executive Assistant
Deanna Gratzer, District Secretary
Jane Ogren, Administrative Assistant
Elizabeth Kingery, Admin Secretary
Jennifer Bilodeau, Admin Secretary
Kristine Hauer, Admin Support
King County Fire District 37:
Pat Riordan, Commissioner
Bill Stewart, Commissioner
Tom Sawyer, Commissioner Bill Stewart,
Ce
Allan Barrie, Commissioner Tom Sowycr,
Co
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Tom Brubaker, City Attorney
Pat Fitzpatrick, Deputy City Attorney
Jeff Watling, Parks Director
Charlie Lindsey, Facilities
CITY OF TUKWILA
Jim Haggerton, Mayor
Kate Kruller, Council President
Joe Duffie, Councilmember
Dennis Robertson, Councilmember
Allan Ekberg, Councilmember
Verna Seal, Councilmember
Kathy Hougardy, Councilmember
De'Sean Quinn, Councilmember
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Mike Denbo, Commissioner Ibn Barr",,
City of Tukwila REGIONAL FIRE
AUTHORITY ANNEXATION STEERING
COMMITTEE
Jessica Jerwa, Tukwila Resident
Jerry Thornton, Tukwila Resident
Kathleen Wilson, Tukwila Resident
Roxanne Knowle, CBRE
Mark Segale, Segale Properties
Genevieve Christian, Westfield Corp.
Dawn Judkins, Captain, Tukwila Fire &
President IAFF Local 2088
Alan Codenys, Firefighter, Tukwila Fire
Merle Brooks, Firefighter, Tukwila Fire
David Cline, City Administrator
Joe Duffie, Tukwila Council member
Verna Seal, Tukwila Council member
Chris Flores, Interim Tukwila Fire Chief
Non - voting KFD RFA members:
Mike Denbo, Fire District 37
Commissioner
Jim Schneider, Chief, KFD RFA
Ray Shjerven, President, IAFF Local
1747
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REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY
VISION
The Kent Fire Department RFA is a community partner, providing effective and
sustainable fire and emergency medical EMS services [MB1]that maximize the resources
entrusted to us to serve the needs of a changing community.
STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITY
To strategically position the Kent Fire Department RFA, which includes the thc City of
Kcnt, King County Fire District #37, which includcsand -the Cities y-of Kent, of
Covington, and thc City of Tukwila in a cost effective partnership that provides the
community with effective and sustainable fire and EMS emergency medical services.
• Effective fire and Iifc savinglifesaving EMS emergency medical service is
dependent on three components:
o Fire Prevention
• Safe buildings reduce fire risk, life loss, and reduce the long term
cost of emergency response;
o Public Education
• Perfect emergency response is not possible, the public must be
empowered to reduce their own risk and provide time critical
actions prior to arrival of firefighters;
o Emergency Response
• Perfect prevention does not exist, emergency responders must
arrive prior to flashover in fire, and brain death in non - breathing
patients.
• The three legs of the fire service delivery system_; fire prevention, public
education and emergency response can only be sustained with adequate
funding_
o Level of Service performance objectives provide the measure of adequate
service;
o Prevention, Education and Response resources must be balanced to meet
the Level of Service objectives and assure the most cost effective delivery
of service;
o Adequate funding of the fire service delivery system is evidenced by its
ability to meet level of service performance objectives - (Appendix A).
MISSION
Professionally and compassionately helping people.
VALUES
Be Safe
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Do Your Best
Serve With Integrity
Take Care of Each Other
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KENT FIRE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 1: Needs Statement
Adopted: 06 -03 -09
Revised: 12 -08 -09
1. The ability to respond to emergency situations by fire protection and
emergency medical services jurisdictions has not kept up or progressed with
the community's needs and special service demands;
2. Providing a fire protection and emergency medical service system requires a
collaborative partnership and responsibility among local and regional
governments and the private sector;
3. There are efficiencies to be gained by regional fire protection and emergency
medical service delivery, while maintaining local control; and
4. Timely development of significant projects can best be achieved through
enhanced funding options for regional fire protection, emergency services,
specialized rescue, hazardous material mitigation, using existing taxing
authority to address fire protection and emergency service needs, with new
authority to address critical fire protection projects and emergency services.
5. The City of Kent Fire and King County Fire Protection District 37 have had a
cooperative partnership, striving to provide the highest level of fire and
emergency medical services to our citizens within the confines of available
resources.
6. Cooperation and the partnership between the City of Kent Fire Department
and King County Fire District 37 began with an inter -local agreement in
1973, providing the legal structure for the entities to remain separate but
work cooperatively together.
7. In 2007, the City of Kent and King County Fire District 37 completed a
regional fire protection stakeholders report. The stakeholders involved in
that process consisted of citizens of the Cities of Kent and Covington and
unincorporated areas of King County Fire District 37= It also included union
representatives of IAFF Local 1747, business owners in our communities, and
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elected officials of the City of Kent, Covington and King County Fire District
37.
8. In 2008, after a 9 month process, the Stakeholders Committee, through
consensus, selected and recommended that the City of Kent and King County
Fire District 37 create a plan for a new entity, referred to as a Regional Fire
Authority, as permitted by state law.
To streamline economies of scale, and diversify revenue options, the City of
Kent and King County Fire District 37 will be asking its citizens to consider
combining all functions and services provided by the two jurisdictions into a
single entity, called a Regional Fire Authority.
10.The City of Tukwila considers the Kent Fire Department FD RFA a successful,
highly competent, nationally accredited regional service provider with whom
a jurisdictional border is shared. For decades, the City of Tukwila has been
successfully collaborating with the Kent Fire Department, through such
programs as the Zone 3 partnership and mutual aid agreements. Since the
inception of the Kent Fire Department RFA in Cincc 2012, the City of Tukwila
has enjoyed enhanced : - - - . - : . ;; . - : collaboration with the
Kent Fire Department €RFA through the South King County Fire Training
Consortium, sharing training personnel, systems and methods.
911. - - To ensure that thc fire and emergency services
continue to be delivered to it-sthe City of Tukwila community at existing or
improved levels,.- -the City of Tukwila desires to join alsethe Kent Fire
Department RFA in a shared believcsf that proportionally allocating cost is
more equitable for its community. -To that end, the Kent Fire Department
RFA utilizes a benefit charge -. - - -- funding
system : -- -- . :. ' that may be used to fund up to 60% of the RFA's
operating expenses.
10.12.Consolidation of the City of Tukwila and the Kent Fire Department RFA
provides greater flexibility in designing and opportunity for deploying an
effective response force and provides additional services to the Tukwila
community, such as thc FD Carcsnon-emergency medical services.
RFA Plan Revision:
1. The NEEDS STATEMENT section of The Kent Fire Department RFA Plan
is subject to amendment by a majority vote of the RFA GovcrnanccGoverning
Board.
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KENT FIRE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Adopted: 06 -03 -09
Section 2: Definitions
Revised: 12 -08 -09
The definitions in this section apply throughout the Regional Fire Protcction
Scrvicc Authority Plan, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
1. "Annexation Effective Date ": Means July 31, 2016, the date the
annexation of City of Tukwila into the Kent Fire Department RFA shall be
effective and the Tukwila Plan Amendment, Sections 1 -5, and 7 shall be
operative.
2. "Annexation Operational Date ": Means January 1, 2017, the date the
Tukwila Plan Amendment, Sections 6, and 8 -9 shall be operative.
3. "Board" or "Governing Board ": Means the governing body of a
regional fire protection services authority.
4. "Participating Jurisdictions ": Means the City of Kent King County
Fire Protection District No. 37 and the City of Tukwila.
3,5. "Regional Fire Authority," "Kent Fire Department RFA " "RFA ":
Means a municipal corporation, an independent taxing authority within the
meaning of Article VII, Section 1, of the Washington State Constitution, and
a taxing district within the meaning of Article VII, Section 2, of the
Washington State Constitution, whose boundaries are coextensive with the
City of Kent the City of Tukwila and King County Fire Protection District No.
37 that has been created by a vote of the people under Revised Code of
Washington (RCW) Chapter 52.26 to implement a Regional Fire Authority
Plan.
476. "Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee" or "Planning
Committee ": Means the advisory committee created under ' Codc of
Washington RCV 52.26.030 to create and propose to participating
jurisdictions a Regional Fire Service Authority Plan.
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"Regional Fire Authority Plan," "RFA Plan," "Kent Fire Department
RFA Plan" or "Plan ": Means a plan to develop, govern and finance a
Regional Fire Authority, including, but not limited to, specific capital projects,
fire prevention services, fire suppression services, emergency medical services,
and services for the protection of life and property pursuant to Rcviscd Codc of
WashingtonRCVv 52.26.040, and the preservation and maintenance of
existing or future facilities and services.
8. "Tukwila Plan Amendment.- ": Means —Tthe RFA Plan Amendment approved
by the City Council of the City of Tukwila, the Kent Fire Department RFA
Governing Board, and the voters of the City of Tukwila, pursuant to the City
of Tukwila's aAnnexation
the -into the Kent Fire Department RFA as provided by RCW 52.26.300.
S Effcctivc Date ": XX .
RFA Plan Revision:
1. The DEFINITIONS section of The Kent Fire Department RFA Plan is
subject to amendment by a majority vote of the RFA Covcrnancc Governing
Board.
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KENT FIRE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 3a: Formation Authority
Adopted: 06 -03 -09
Revised: 12 -08 -09
A. Reference:[BS2]
1. Authority to form a Regional Fire Protection Services Authority between the
City of Kent and King County Fire District 37 (participating jurisdictions) is
authorized by Chapter 52.26 RCW.
2. The authority to form and operate a Planning Committee is provided by RCW
52.26.030 and 040.
3. The City of Kent and King County Fire District 37 Planning Committee
included three (3) members of the Kent City Council and three (3)
Commissioners of King County Fire District 37.
4. The Commissioners of King County Fire District 37 appointed an elected
official from the City of Covington to fill one of its - positions because it was
the planning phase of the process, and because of the long term relationship
and partnership between the Fire District and the City of Covington. This
option was agreed to by both parties for the RFA Planning Committee process
only.
5. The mission and goal of the Planning Committee is to develop and present to
the elected officials of each participating jurisdiction, the Kent Fire
Department RFA Plan.
6. Upon development, approval and adoption of the Kent Fire Department RFA
Plan by the Planning Committee, the Plan shall be presented to each
participating jurisdiction's elected legislative body for approval and adoption
by resolution for placement of the RFA Plan on the ballot for consideration by
a vote of the people within the boundaries of the proposed RFA.
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7. Upon approval of the RFA Plan by the elected legislative body of each
participating jurisdiction, the participating jurisdictions shall draft a joint
ballot title, give notice as required by law for ballot measures, and perform
other duties as required to put the Plan before the voters of the participating
jurisdictions for approval or rejection as a single ballot measure.
B. Activity and Operation:
1. The joint agreement between the City of Kent and King County Fire District
37 shall remain in force during the RFA planning period.
2. Should the Kent Fire Department -RFA Plan be approved by 60% of the
voters of the participating jurisdictions, the Kent Fire Department
Regional Fire Authority shall be formed on, July 1, 2010, in accordance
with RCW 52.26.070. If the Plan is not approved by 60% of the voters, then
operations relating to the services set forth herein shall remain unchanged.
3. Upon voter approval of the Plan, the City of Kent and King County Fire
District 37 shall continue to exist as Washington State Municipal
Corporations. The exclusive purpose of the continued existence of King
County Fire District 37 shall be to levy and collect taxes and /or other fire
district revenue to be transferred to the RFA until such time as the RFA
collects its own revenues and to provide representation to the newly formed
Kent Fire Department RFA Governance Board.
4. Upon voter approval of the Plan, it is the intent that the City of Kent and King
County Fire District 37 will cease to operate their own fire departments
effective July 1, 2010. At such time as King County Fire District 37 no longer
provides revenues or representative to the governance board it may be
dissolved in accordance with RCW 52.26.120.
C. RFA Plan Revision:
1. The formation authority section of the Kent Fire Department RFA Plan
is subject to amendment only by a revised Kent Fire Department_Plan being
re- submitted to the electorate for approval.
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KENT FIRE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 3Ab: City of Tukwila Annexation Authority
Adopted: Revised:
A. Reference:
1. RCW 52.26.300 allows a fire protection jurisdiction to annex into an existing
Regional Fire Authority upon approval of a plan amendment by the Governing
Board and the voters of the annexing jurisdiction.
2. Annexation approval is required of the Governing Board of the Rregional fFire
Aauthority and a simple majority vote of the voters of the fire protection
jurisdiction requesting annexation.
3. The City of Tukwila created afr Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering
Committee to advise its City Council on whether to recommend proceeding
with an annexation to the Kent Fire Department FERFA. As part of their
analysis -, the Committee reviewed and recommended
the amendments to the Kent Fire Department RFA Plan. The resulting
recommendations are titledfi the Tukwila Plan Amendment.
4. Upon - approval of the resolution requesting annexation and - recommendation
of the Tukwila Plan Amendment by the Tukwila City Council, the Tukwila Plan
Amendment shall be presented to the Governing Board of the Kent Fire
Department RFA for approval.
5. -Upon approval of the resolution requesting annexation and the Tukwila Plan
Amendment by the Governing Board of the Kent Fire Department RFA, the
Tukwila Plan Amendment shall be submitted to the Tukwila City Council for
approval.
6. Upon final approval of the Tukwila Plan Amendment by the Tukwila City
Counciljit is the intent of the Tukwila City Council to place the question of
whether the City of Tukwila should annex into the Kent Fire Department RFA,
in accordance with the terms of the Tukwila Plan Amendment, on the ballot
for consideration by a vote of the people residing within the boundaries of
Tukwila.
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7. Upon voter approval of the annexation and the Tukwila Plan Amendment -,
the Tukwila Plan Amcndmcnt shall bccomc cffcctivc annexation shall be
effective on the Annexation Effective Date.
B. Activity and Operation:
1.
:.
Upon voter approval of the annexation and
the Tukwila Plan Amendment, the City of Tukwila shall continue to exist as a
Washington State Municipal Corporation.
2. Upon voter approval of the annexation and the Tukwila Plan Amendment,
Sections 1 -5, and 7 of the Tukwila Plan Amendment shall go into effect on
the Annexation Effective Date. On the Annexation Effective Date, the
Governing Board of the Kent Fire Department shall be constituted as stated
in Section 5.B.2. herein.
3. Upon voter approval of the annexation and the Tukwila Plan Amendment,
Sections 6, and 8 -9 of the Tukwila Plan Amendment shall go into effect on
the Annexation Operational Date. It is the intent that the City of Tukwila will
cease to operate its own fire department, and
the Kent Fire
Department RFA shall assume responsibility for providing fire, and
emergency and non - emergentcy ?}medical services within the City
of Tukwila on the Annexation Operational Date.
C. RFA Plan Revision:
1. The Annexation Authority section of the Kent Fire Department RFA Plan
is subject to amendment by majority vote of the eiGoverning bBoard and the
approval of the voters of any subsequent participating jurisdiction that
intends to annex into the RFA.
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KENT FIRE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 4: Jurisdictional Boundaries
Adopted: 07 -15 -09 Revised: 12 -08 -09
A. Reference:
1. The authority to define the jurisdictional boundaries of the Kent Fire
Department Regional Fire Authority is provided by RCW 52.26.020(2).
B. Jurisdictional Boundaries on Formation of Kent Fire Department
Regional Fire Authority:
1. If the adopted Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority Plan is approved
by the voters -, the jurisdictional boundaries of the Kent Fire Department
Rcgional Firc Authority (RFA) shall be the current legal boundaries of the
participating jurisdictions, which boundaries are currently contiguous and are
depicted on the map attached hereto and marked as Appendix "A" of this
plan.
C. Changes in Jurisdictional Boundaries Afterafter Formation of Kent
Fire Department Regional Fire Authority:
1. Boundary Changes that do not require a RFA Plan amendment.
a. City of Kent annexations of areas included within the
boundaries of King County Fire Protection District No. 37.
Such annexations will not affect the RFA since the areas will already
be within the RFA boundaries. Pursuant to RCW 52.26.290 there
will be no required asset or employee transfers between the fire
district and the city.
b. City of Kent annexations of areas not
included within King County Fire Protection District No. 37.
On the effective date of such annexation, the territory annexed
shall automatically be included within the boundaries of the RFA
pursuant to RCW 52.26.090. The territory added to the RFA by
such annexation shall be subject to the taxation, charges, and
bonded indebtedness (if approved as part of the annexation
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Fire District. Any transfer of assets or employees as a result of a
subjcct to the taxation, charges, and bonded indebtedness of the
RFA in the manner specified in chapter 52.06 RCW. Pursuant to
•
•
process) of the RFA. Any transfer of assets or employees that
occurs as a result of annexation shall be between the transferring
entity and the RFA.
c. King County Fire Protection District No. 37 annexations of
areas outside the boundaries of the RFA. On the effective date
of such annexation, the territory annexed shall automatically be
included within the boundaries of the RFA pursuant to RCW
52.26.090. The territory added to the RFA by such annexation shall
be subject to the taxation, charges, and bonded indebtedness (if
approved as part of the annexation process) of the RFA .
d. Partial merger of an area located in an adjacent fire
protection district into King County Fire Protection District
No. 37. On the effective date of such partial merger, the territory
merged into King County Fire Protection District No. 37 shall
automatically be included within the boundaries of the RFA. The
territory added to the RFA by such partial merger shall be subject
to the taxation, charges, and bonded indebtedness of the RFA in
the manner specified in chapter 52.06 RCW. Any transfer of assets
or employees as a result of a partial merger shall be between the
merging district and the RFA.
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Full or partial merger of King County Fire Protection District
37 into an adjacent fire protection district. On the effective
date of such merger, the areas within King County Fire Protection
District No. 37 that are merged into the adjacent fire protection
district shall be removed from the jurisdictional boundaries of the
RFA. In this situation the RFA shall not be obligated to transfer
employees or assets of the RFA and the adjacent fire protection
district shall be restricted to assets and employees of the fire
district, if any.
Annexation of a portion of King County Fire Protection
District 37 by a City that is not a participating jurisdiction in
the RFA. On the effective date of such annexation, the territory
annexed shall automatically be removed from the boundaries of the
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RFA. In this situation the RFA shall not be obligated to transfer
employees or assets of the RFA and the annexing city shall be
restricted solely to assets and employees of the fire district, if any.
h7q. Annexation of areas by the City of Covington. Provided that
the City of Covington remains annexed into King County Fire
Protection District No. 37, on the effective date of any such
annexation, the territory annexed shall automatically be included
within the boundaries of the RFA pursuant to RCW 52.26.090 and
RCW 52.04.091. The territory added to the RFA by such
annexation shall be subject to the taxation, charges, and bonded
indebtedness (if approved as part of the annexation process) of the
RFA. Any transfer of assets or employees that occurs as a result of
such annexation shall be between the transferring entity and the
RFA
2. Boundary Changes that require a RFA Plan amendment.
a. Addition of City of Tukwila to RFA. The addition of the City of
Tukwila as anothcr cntity as a participating jurisdiction in the RFA
shall requires an _ amendment to the Kent Fire
Department RFA Plan, approved by the City Council of the City of
Tukwila, the Kent Fire Department RFA Governing Board, and the
voters of the City of Tukwila, in accordance with the provisions of
RCW f52.26.300.
D. RFA Plan Revision:
. • J. . . • .
WO IF
1. Except as provided in paragraph C.2, the JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES
section of The Kent Fire Department RFA Plan is subject to amendment
by a majority vote of the RFA GovcrnanccGoverning Board.
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KENT FIRE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Adopted: 07 -15 -09
Section 5: Governance
Revised: 01 -01 -14
A. Reference:
1. The authority to provide governance for the Regional Fire Authority, and the
organization and composition of the RFA Governing Board, +care stated in
Title 52 RCW, and specifically RCW 52.26 et seq. providcd by RCW (RCW
52.26.080 and RCW 52.26.0907),
B. Governing Board Structure and Operation:
1. As provided by RCW 52.26.080, the RFA Governing Board shall be
established and have authority as of July 1, 2010.
2. As provided by RCW 52.26.080, Tukwila Annexation Effective Date,
the RFA gGoverning bBoard shall include six nine voting members consisting
of three (3) current, m-th-e City of Kent
to be appointed by the Kent City Council President; and three (3)
current, seated King County Fire District 37 Board of Commissioners
members;; three (3) - current, -. - : -- - -- : - : -- - - City of Tukwila
Council members, to be appointed by the Tukwila City Council President; and
two (2) nonvoting advisory positions consisting of one (1) current, seatedt
mcmbcr from the City of Covington Council member, appointed by the
Covington City Council, and one (1) current -. -. ---- - - City of
SeaTac Council member.
3. The RFA Governing Board shall adopt governance policies and rules for
conducting business for the RFA in accordance with RCW 52.26.080.
4. The RFA Governing Board shall adopt by -laws to govern RFA affairs in
accordance with RCW 52.26.080.
09/02/1508/24/15
( 21 )
21
i
1
1
5. The RFA Governing Board shall have all the power and authority granted
governing boards under Washington State law, and shall include including
but not limited to the power and authority to make any and all decisions
appropriate for the RFA, pursuant to and for matters related to Title 52
RCW.RCW (Title 52 RCW.I
6. RFA Commissioners of the Governing Board members will receive
compensation in the same manner and under the same conditions as
provided by law for commissioners of a fire protection district organized
under Title 52 RCW.
C. Regional fire authority name change:
1. Immediately subsequent to a positive vote by the voters of the City of
Tukwila in support of annexing into the Kent Fire Department RFA, the
participating jurisdictions (inclusive of the City of Tukwila) shall develop an
appropriate new name for the consolidated RFA, which shall be submitted to
the RFA Governing Board for approval. The RFA Governing Board shall
develop aka plan for the efficient and timely implementation of the new name
C D. Placement of Ballot Measures before Electorate of the RFA:
1. Subject to state law, ballot measures may be placed on the ballot for a vote
by the members of the RFA. Such ballot measures shall be approved -by a
majority vote of the members of the RFA Governing Board. The Board shall
reach a decision of election at least 30 days in advance of county filing
deadlines.
DE. RFA Plan Revisions:
1. The GOVERNANCE section of the Kent Fire Department RFA Plan may be
amended by a majority vote of the RFA Governance Governing Board.
09/02/1508/24/15
22 ( 22
KENT FIRE DEPARTMENT
REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY (RFA)
PLAN
Section 6: Organizational Structure /Operations
Adopted: 11 -04 -09 Revised: 12 -08 -09
A. Reference:
1. The authority for the RFA to establish an Organizational Structure is
provided in RCW 52.26.040.
B. Activity /Operation:
1. Commencing on the Annexation Effective Date, day of formation,
the RFA shall be organized and managed —with leadership provided
as shown in Appendix "C" of the RFA Plan, with the exception
stated in Section 6.B.2 of this Plan.
2— Commencing on the Annexation Operational Date, tFhe RFA's
Operations - - -, e : - - - - • - - - - = - , shall
be- organized, and a chain of command shall be established in
accordance with the Operational organizational structure provided
in Appendix "C" of the RFA Plan.
372.
47
- -
"C" of thc RFA Plan.
-- -
-53. All current operational and service delivery aspects of thc Kent
Fire Department RFA and ' - = 0.- • - = the City of
Tukwila Fire Departrn shall be transferred over to the RFA. on the
Annexation Operational Date.day of formation.
674. Current staffing models, standards of coverage, deployment
standards, field operations, command staffing, and operational
23
be transferred and ntinucd at the
.The Kent Fire
Department RFA is an accredited agency under the Center For
p 1 Public Safety Excellence Commission on Fire Accreditation
Standards and the RFA works to maintain its accreditation
5. The RFA maintains the Kent Fire Department RFA
Standards of Coverage ,zdocument (2014, as amended;)
which that will defines services, levels of service, standards of
coverage, development standards and customer expectations of the
RFA.
6. Upon annexation of the City of Tukwila into the RFA, tThe RFA
wiRshall maintainamend the Standard of Coverage document to
include the City of Tukwila. The amended Standard of Coverage
document shall reflect that the RFA will maintain and /or improve
upon the level of service currently afforded to the residents of the
City of Tukwila by the City of Tukwila Fire Department. and show
within Tukwila.
C. RFA Plan Revision .
1. The Organizational Structure portion of the RFA Plan may be
revised by a majority vote of the current sitting RFA Governance
Governing Board.
24
KENT FIRE DEPARTMENT REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
with Tukwila
Residents
RegienaI Fire
Authority
Governing Board
Department
Fire Chief
DRAFT
Facilities &
Property Mgr7:
CP.131:n Chief
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co
Assign
Updated: 8/13/15
F -F
■ Support Services
■ Information Technology
■ Fleet Maintenance
■ Administration
Operations
LEGEND
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RFA Recommended Positions
Tukwila Staff
11°A
Tukwila Chief Officer Positions
Eliminated Through Attrition
SeeTac Staff
Finance
Manager
Orrice of Emergency
Management
Division Chia!'
EM Progran
Manager
EM Program
Coordinator
EN Spec' 31137
SeaTac EM
Program
Manager
Prevention
Division Chler
Ass le :ant Flre
Marshal
Battalion Chief
Ldrn In
Supervisor
�dmin Support
2'!
Training
Dlil Ion Ohl a'
HTralnlnp Ofrlcer
C ap:al n (4)1
Engineer.
Trainer
Engineer
Firer' pMen
Engineer
SJaerd3 or
AdI Ir
Support
Operations
Depute Cuter
Appendix C
Opera:Iona
Battallon C.
AlhirtI
Operations
•2a.ptaln (12
Opera:ions
Engineer 12131
Opera :Iona
Flrenghter (17)
Investigations
Captain
Investigators
(3l
Development
Services
Captain
Inapsc :lor3
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peciallat
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04,19
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Cap :a in
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Operations
Battalion Chief
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Operations
Captain (12:
Operations
Engineer (28)
Operations
Flrenghter 117)
Operallan-s
Battalion Chief
Cshin13)
Operatons
Captain (12)
Operations
En pineer (2a)
ODperatione
Flreilgh;er (171
EMS Otncer,
CARES
Division chlsr
EMS CARES
Cap :al n
Da:a Integration
•voordl n a:or
Masters o'
S.ocla! V.c-rker
City of Tukwila
MINUTES
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee
July 8, 2015
Call to Order
Co -Chair Verna Seal called the meeting to order at 1736 hours.
Committee Members
David Cline, City Administrator; Verna Seal, City Councilmember; Joe Duffie, City Councilmember;
Moira Bradshaw, Senior Planner; Vicky Carlson, Deputy Finance Director; Chris Flores, Tukwila
Interim Fire Chief; Alan Codenys, Tukwila firefighter; Dawn Judkins, Captain, Union President of
Tukwila firefighters; Jim Schneider, Chief Kent RFA; Margaret Martin, Kent RFA Finance Manager;
Mike Denbo, Commissioner, board member of Kent RFA; Brian Snure, Attorney for Kent RFA board;
Mark Segale, Segale Business Park; Christian Faltenberger, Facilities Manager for the Westfield Mall;
Roxanne Knowle, Senior Real Estate Manager for CBRE; Jessica Jerwa, Tukwila citizen
representative; Jerry Thornton, Tukwila citizen representative; Kathleen Wilson, Tukwila citizen
representative.
Follow -up Discussion of June meeting
Moira Bradshaw referred the Committee to the June Meeting Summary where pros and cons of
annexing to the RFA were listed. She asked for clarification and any questions or comments on
some of the statements made during the small group discussion.
1. Will the FD Cares program be extended to annexed territory?
Chief Schneider responded that the FD cares program would be extended to the KRFA's (Kent
Regional Fire Authority) annexed territory. The FD cares program was started in 2010, and the unit is
currently staffed with two EMT's. The KRFA has contract funding from King County EMS, Premera
and Valley Medical and we plan to hire nurses, so that in the future the unit would be staffed with one
firefighter EMT and one nurse. The current FD Cares unit operates out of SeaTac and has a
standard 20 minute response time. The KRFA would like to eventually have two units in service. The
Affordable Care Act has complicated their efforts. Other organizations, including King County, have
tried to institute a similar program. Some organizations do not have enough calls to warrant a unit.
The only way the program would work for these areas, is if two departments combined resources.
Because King County only wanted to staff their unit with one person, there were also safety concerns.
27
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee Minutes Page 2 of 6
July 8, 2015
2. Why is the KRFA able to spend more time planning for issues whereas Tukwila is more often
reacting to situations.
Interim Chief Flores responded that the Tukwila Fire Department doesn't have the support resources
to do planning like the KRFA. In Tukwila items are budgeted for when actually purchased. Tukwila
also has to compete with other City departments for funds. The KRFA can incorporate equipment
purchases into their budget so they have the funds to work with, which allows for better planning.
Chief Schneider stated that he can trust his chief officers because their skill set is good. The size and
depth of the KRFA's think tank is better. The KRFA also is under no pressure from the board or a
City, so they can take the time to do it right.
2. Does the KRFA have the capacity to take on Tukwila, and will there be problems if the KRFA
gets too big?
Chief Schneider said the KRFA has gone thru the process twice, the first time when they created the
regional fire authority and the second with the City of SeaTac contract and they have learned a lot of
valuable lessons. When the KRFA took on SeaTac, they allowed time to train firefighters that wanted
to work in different areas. Their goal was to make the transition so seamless that the citizens of
SeaTac would never know the transition had taken place. If the KRFA annexed Tukwila, the existing
people serving Tukwila would still be there. If the annexation occurs, the KRFA would have a lot of
lead -time to prepare.
The bigger the fire authority, the larger the economy of scale will be. The economy would increase
down the road. One question to be considered is the size of the governing board. Currently, there
are 6 voting board members and 2 advisory positions for SeaTac and Covington. If the KRFA
annexed Tukwila, a proposed option would be to have 3 voting board members from Tukwila.
Jerry Thornton asked if there is a difference dealing with a city council versus a fire board. Chief
Schneider said one of the KRFA's chief officers (the former chief of SeaTac Fire) is the liaison with
SeaTac, and he attends the council meetings. The KRFA meets with the city mayors once a month.
If Tukwila joins the RFA, there would be a liaison with Tukwila so the City would not lose the
communication.
3. There is a perception that there would be a loss of City control and identity if the KRFA
annexes the Tukwila Fire Department.
Councilmember Seal explained that people are attached to their fire department and feel they would
lose something if Tukwila annexes to the KRFA. Christian Faltenberger, Facilities Manager for the
Westfield Mall, pointed out that there is currently a homegrown feeling that might get lost in a larger
group.
Chief Flores stated that there are already mutual aid responses between cities, and that Tukwila
participates in the training consortium. So far there has only been positive feedback.
Chief Schneider stated that if the annexation takes place, all apparatus would not only have the name
of the fire authority on the vehicle, but also the name of the city in whose area it was serving. After
the next FBC (fire benefit charge) vote takes place, the name of the KRFA will be changed to a more
28
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee Minutes Page 3 of 6
July 8, 2015
generic name. The KRFA also has two public educators and supports a lot of community outreach.
Following every fire KRFA representatives meet with the surrounding neighbors to discuss the event.
When SeaTac contracted for services with the KRFA, they elected not to pay for public education
which caused some problems during the transition process. He stressed the importance of public
communication during the transition process. It requires a lot of commitment from the departments
involved and multiple avenues of communication.
Current (2015) Budget for the Tukwila Fire Department
Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director, gave a presentation on the current budget for the Tukwila
Fire Department. The Operations budget, which encompasses administration, suppression, training,
facilities (maintenance and supplies), special operations and aid /rescue, amounts to $9,453,805. The
rest of the $10,956,847 budget encompasses LEOFF1 responsibilities, firemen's pension, fire
prevention and emergency management, which would be retained by the City if the annexation
passes.
Current indirect costs for IT, HR, finance (insurance), City Attorney, public works and parks
maintenance services total $797,070. These services are provided to the fire department and the staff
time currently allocated to the Fire Department would be reallocated to other departments and other
projects /priorities.
If the City were to annualize all of the capital costs of the Fire Department, that is equipment,
apparatus and facilities, it would need $1,375,000 to $2,350,000 per year. The actual cost for bulk
equipment purchases is budgeted in the year of purchase and the annualized cost for a 20 year
period would be $75,000 - $150,000. To replace apparatus an annualized cost would be $500,000 -
$900,000. Currently, the fire department has 1 aerial, 1 aid car, 7 pumpers, 4 pickups, 3 sedans, 5
SUVs, 14 trailers, 2 vans, 2 boats and 1 generator. The original cost for these vehicles is over $5
million; replacement cost including equipment on the rigs, would be over $9 million.
The annualized costs for facilities would be $800,000 - $1,300,000. There are four fire stations. Three
of the stations need to be replaced. Estimates are $7 -9 million for Station 51, $5 -7 million for Station
52 and $5 -7 million for Station 54. Station 53, which is the newest of the Stations and is 20 years old,
needs major maintenance for a cost of $500,000. The total costs for the stations would be $15.5 to
$21.5 million. The City has $4.8 million in guaranteed impact fees. Future impact fees collection is
dependent on development. The City started collecting impact fees in 2008, but they haven't met the
original projections because of the economy. The City typically issues debt to finance buildings.
An RFA Budget (2015) consolidated with Tukwila
Chief Schneider stated that it is difficult for the City of Tukwila to determine future revenue since it is
based on assessed values and taxes that can vary. It is easier for the KRFA to determine future
revenue because it is based on $1.00 of assessed value plus the fire benefit charge. There were two
primary reasons Kent decided to go with an RFA.
1. Sustain services. The revenue cities collect is different every year, whereas if the assessed value
goes down, an RFA can raise the fire benefit charge to maintain the service level. In the RFA the fire
department is not competing with other city departments for funding, therefore there is a direct
connection between cost for services and the service itself.
29
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee Minutes Page 4 of 6
July 8, 2015
2. Economy of scale. As the RFA orders more equipment and apparatus, there will be savings from
the bulk purchases' discounts. Also the need for administrative staff such as chiefs and deputy chiefs
will be removed.
Using 2015 numbers, Margaret Martin, Kent RFA finance manager, gave a presentation on the
projected RFA budget if the Tukwila annexation were to take place. The total for administration,
operations and training, facilities, fleet, IT, and logistics /strategic planning would be $10,953,954.
In order to help provide a comparison, the estimated cost of operating the City fire department per
$1,000 assessed value is $1.95 per thousand; the cost of operating the RFA department per $1,000
assessed value would be $2.09 per thousand. The budget will be fine -tuned as the annexation
approaches. Salaries and health care costs create the largest difference in the two budgets. The
KRFA firefighters' salaries and benefits are higher than Tukwila.
We project annual capital expenses for equipment, apparatus and facility needs at an additional
$0.10 per $1,000 or a total of $500,000 per year. Every year the KRFA sets aside an amount from its
two revenue sources for capital expenses. The KRFA's strategy for capital expenses is to make it part
of the operating budget. The KRFA would like to collect impact fees but until impact fees are adopted
by the jurisdictions that we serve, we use SEPA to collect mitigation payments.
The KRFA sometimes leases apparatus, which can be paid off over three years. If the annexation
takes place, the replacement cycles for equipment and apparatus would be the same for Tukwila and
Kent. Plans and projects are brought to the governance board for approval.
Future savings if the KRFA and Tukwila Fire consolidate:
• Savings of overtime expense by spreading the workload over a larger number of personnel
• Effective firefighting force — the KRFA has a bigger initial response, whereas Tukwila now has
to call for a second response after they arrive
• Reduction of risk with a more effective firefighting force
• Eliminate duplication of positions through attrition
• Purchasing power when purchasing in bulk
Positives in consolidation with RFA
• Sustain services with enhanced revenue options (fire benefit charge)
• True allocation of cost for fire risk
• Accountability to the citizens
• Citizens determine the level of service
• FD Cares program
• Share fire resources over the full response area
• Efficiency through regionalization
• 24/7 fire investigator on duty which enables the firefighting crews to leave and turn the scene
over to the investigator
• Expanded public education program
• Increased promotion opportunities because of the larger staff
• Economy of scale in the recruitment of and firefighter selection process
30
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee Minutes Page 5 of 6
July 8, 2015
• Increased opportunities for operational assignments in specialty areas: haz mat, fire
prevention, fire investigation; more versatility adds synergy to the organization
Organizational Chart
Chief Schneider presented the current organizational chart for the KRFA. Presently, the KRFA
contracts with the City of Kent for some of its IT needs, but will eventually have their own people.
They anticipate a lot of future growth in their fleet services and will have satellite shops to provide
services throughout the region. The City of Kent contracts with the KRFA for fire prevention and
emergency management services, which includes 1 position that has been grant funded for the last
nine years. The KRFA will soon hire a social worker for the FD Cares program and will hopefully be
hiring nurses soon. The KRFA used the Kent Civil Service Commission in the beginning, but as the
commissioners leave, Kent will replace them with their own commissioners. If the KRFA annexes
Tukwila, in addition to the 66 current staff members of the Tukwila Fire Department, they anticipate
adding 2.5 new full -time support staff employees.
Christian Faltenberger, Facilities Manager for the Westfield Mall, asked if fire prevention would be
localized to Tukwila if the annexation takes place. Chief Schneider said discussion of particulars
would take place during interlocal agreement meetings, but fire prevention would continue to work out
of Tukwila, if Tukwila decides to contract with KRFA to provide this service. The KRFA would like to
add three more inspectors to do company level inspections. They believe that it's more efficient for
the same people to do the initial and then any follow -up inspections that may be necessary.
Currently, in Tukwila the engine crews do the initial inspections and sometimes are outside of their
response area to do them.
Governance Discussion
Moira Bradshaw asked the committee if they had any concerns they would like the Governance
Committee to consider at their meeting on July 3001. She posed the following questions as an
example.
1. If the annexation passes, would a 3- person representation by the City Council to the RFA board
work?
2. Are there any specific issues that need to be considered when they review the RFA Plan?
Councilmember Seal thought that having three council members on the RFA board would work
because the Board members and meetings will be focused on fire services and the Board will have
more input since they are only dealing with one issue. In contrast, the current situation for the Tukwila
City Council is primarily influencing fire service through the budget process where they have to
consider the needs of all the City departments.
Councilmember Duffie said being on the Steering Committee has been a learning experience, and
although he was initially not in favor of the annexation to the KRFA, he now sees a lot of benefit to
joining them. He said it is important that Tukwila's citizens are aware of, know about and understand
the issue.
Mark Segale, Segale Business Park, asked how much interaction there was between the City Council
and the Tukwila firefighters. Capt. Judkins replied that there was not much interaction, and the
31
Regional Fire Authority Annexation Steering Committee Minutes Page 6 of 6
July 8, 2015
department's budget was determined more by which City department made the better presentation to
the City Council. The Tukwila firefighters usually work with what they have.
Christian Faltenberger, Facilities Manager for the Westfield Mall, asked how the KRFA board works.
Are more board positions given to one area than another? Brian Snure, Attorney for the Kent RFA
Board, explained that the RFA Plan establishes the membership of the RFA board. The Board sets
its operating rules, redefining the quorum if needed. Presently, the quorum consists of 2 members
from District 37 and 2 members from Kent. The KRFA board is currently a 6 member board with 3
Kent City Council members, 3 King County Fire District members and 2 non - voting members from the
SeaTac and Covington City Councils.
General Discussion
Roxanne Knowle, Senior Real Estate Manager for CBRE, asked why the KRFA wanted Tukwila to
join them and why? Chief Schneider said that the two fire departments share a similar culture and
have already shown that they work well together. There is a lot of vision on the RFA Governing
Board. The Chiefs create a good future for the younger firefighters and work at sustaining services
and saving money thru the economy of scale. In order to be part of the regional fire authority the
geographic areas have to have contiguous borders. Finally, the two fire departments have been
discussing the possibility of annexation since 2008.
The 2014 Tukwila Fire Exploratory Committee considered several other options and decided that
annexation to the KRFA was the best option.
Adjournment
At 1936 hours Co -Chair Seal declared the regional fire authority steering committee meeting
adjourned.
Minutes taken and prepared by Norita Deckard, Admin. Support Tech.
32